Critical Reasoning

In Patton City, days are categorized as having heavy rainfall (more than two inches), moderate rainfall (more than one inch, but no more than two inches), light rainfall (at least a trace, but no more than one inch), or no rainfall. In 1990, there were fewer days with light rainfall than in 1910 and fewer with moderate rainfall, yet total rainfall for the year was 20 percent higher in 1990 than in 1910. If the statements above are true, then it is also possible that in Patton City

A. the number of days with heavy rainfall was lower in 1990 than in 1910
B. the number of days with some rainfall, but no more than two inches, was the same in 1990 as in 1910
C. the number of days with some rainfall, but no more than two inches, was higher in 1990 than in 1910
D. the total number of inches of rain that fell on days with moderate rainfall in 1990 was more than twice what it had been in 1910
E. the average amount of rainfall per month was lower in 1990 than in 1910

[spoiler]OA: Will be posted later.Please discuss each answer choice in detail[/spoiler]

IMO A
Heavy>2; 1<moderate<=2; 0<light<=1 ; no=0
in 1990 as compared to 1910, fewer days were in light and moderate.
Total in 1990>total in 1910
a)possible. suppose in 1990 there were only 5 days with heavy rainfall but rain was 100 inches a day and in 1910 there were 6 days but rain was only 3 inches a day. Thus total in 1990 can be greater than total in 1910
b)some rainfall but no more than 2 inches => light+moderate
it is already given they were less in 1990. Thus they can't be same. impossible
c) as light + moderate days are less in 1990, they can't be higher. impossible
d) Can be true. But a) also gives reason why total rainfall in1990 was 20% higher.
e) total in 1990 was more than in 1910. Thus average also was more.

+1 for A

Options B and C are impossible since the stimulus already mentions Days with Light and Days with Medium rainfall are more in 1910 as compared to 1990.

Option D - we are not given any raw data on the no. of days and hence is irrelevant

Option E - To comment about the average rainfall, we would require total amount of rainfall for the yr. This info is unavailable and hence E is irrelevant.

At first glance choice A seems wrong. But it is highly possible answer, because the tricky part is to distunguish between the number of days and the total number of inches of rain.

It is possible that even if the number of days with heavy rainfall is low, the total rainfall for that year is high.

My initial answer was D. But I refute myself

Yup the OA is A.............I was confused between C and D........

Couldn't hit the answer right away! but using POE -

D and E - new information. not allowed.

B & C - Reverse Options. Stimulus says otherwise.

A - only option left. Correct Answer.

Hi GMAT GuruNy,
Please help

Here in both the cases the number of days is fewer in 1990 than in 1910. So, normally we may think that number of days with heavy rainfall may be more in 1910. But that option is not here. In fact opposite is given in A. So, in real exam time we may eliminate A easily and choose D. I understand why A is answer but initially my thought process will not find the reasoning to choose A. In fact my thought process will lead me to eliminate A. On the other hand, D looks very convincing initially. But after more consideration we can eliminate D. My concern is in exam time I may not try for that much analysis or may not get time to do so. So, my question is what my approach should be in exam time to get the right answer in this type of question.

I also think A is exactly the opposite what is required to answer is question.

we assume number of days with heavy day rainfall is more in 1990 than in 1910.